The Department of Defense, Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and the
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) have approved revisions to
question 21 on the Questionnaire for National Security Positions,
Standard Form (SF) 86, regarding mental and emotional health counseling.

“Our people deserve the best mental health care we can provide without
the fear of hurting their career in the long run,” said Chairman of the
Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. Michael Mullen. “It’s time we made
everyone in uniform aware that the act of reaching out for help is one
of the most courageous acts -- and one of the first steps -- to
reclaiming your career and future. All leaders must set an
example by seeking help themselves and encouraging others to do so.
Getting this question changed is a terrific first step.”

Per direction of the secretary of defense, DoD components will
immediately distribute the revised question 21 language for awareness
and use by all DoD personnel completing the security clearance form.

Until a new SF86 is published by the OPM later this summer, the OMB has
agreed to allow DoD members to use the revised version of question 21
with the current SF86.